RCMP commissioner changes mind on systemic racism
Posted Jun 12, 2020 3:32 pm.
CALGARY (660 NEWS) – After saying earlier in the week that he does not think systemic racism is a problem in policing in Canada, Alberta’s Deputy Commissioner is doing an about-face.
Curtis Zablocki says he has since spoken to many people, including the indigenous community and RCMP colleagues about racism and says he now believes differently.
“These have been conversations that have challenged my perceptions and made it clear that systemic racism does exist in the RCMP.”
RELATED: Freeland says police must acknowledge racism after senior RCMP officer’s denial
Zablocki says there’s a lot of work to be done in policing, especially in challenging unconscious bias.
The lawyer group Criminal Trial Lawyers Association of Alberta was among those calling for Zablocki’s resignation due to the comments.
The RCMP commissioner would not talk about the violent arrest caught on video of Chief Allan Adam in Fort McMurray because he does not want to interfere with the ASIRT investigation.
READ MORE: Video showing violent arrest of First Nation Chief surfaces
